I just purchased a 2015 Expedition XLT and am trying to get some thoughts on stereo upgrades. I can speak from experience on other 2013+ models and in my humble opinion the Stereo system whether SONY or NON SONY is reasonably decent.


I realize everyone is going to have their thoughts but wanted to get some thoughts from owners with some reasonable amount of time under the belt...or odometer as it were.

From my previous and current Taurus models I believe that although the 2013+ models are basically NON UPGRADABLE due to the head unit controlling more than audio itself. Although not my first choice in design I am over it. With that over with I have concluded again in my opinion the stereo system itself is reasonable could it use better AMP and SUB? Of Course!! With that said for my first step in stereo upgrades I started with the speakers. Even went so far as to add a set of rear deck outboards in my 2013 SEL NON SONY. I tapped the feed into the rear door power supply and worked great.

For my 2014 SHO WITH SONY. I went with Kenwood three way in the doors, Kicker 6X9 SUBS in the rear deck and Kicker 3.5 for the center rear AND Front. Kicker AMP to supply the 6X9 rear deck and the factory AMP to supply the doors and center If I remember correctly.

Question is should I go all out or do you think I can get away with starting on the speakers. The quote I have is around $1500 ish for Kicker four channel AMP which would run the doors and the OEM AMP for the rear subs.

Any thoughts before I get too crazy? Personally they have a Kicker low profile SUB under seat that could run and I have used that type before. I used the Kenwood model but same concept.

My stereo listening style....classic rock, 80's some modern day stuff but mostly 80's. I am not looking to rattle the windows but want a good clear sound. Most of my music is on USB and was copied from a clear base source. I have a few songs that I use to test the system, some highs and some deep BASS Songs. so a good testing point.

 

IMHO...contact crutchfield...they will give you the best recommendation based upon what you like

 

I just started installing the components for my build. I have a 2020 Platinum with the B&O and to me it needs a major sound upgrade. Here is what I am doing in case anyone is interested in something similar.
- For the doors and I am running Focal Flax PS165FXE up front and Focal Flax PC165 for the rear doors. These will run 6 way active with a JL Audio VX600/6i
- For the Subs I am doing two JL Audio 13tw5's in an under seat box from MTI. This will be run on a JL Audio VX1000/1i
- Center channel will be disconnected, no need for it
- To keep all the factory chimes, navigation and notifications through the system I am using the Nav-TV Zen A2B Kit
- Probably the most important part, I am putting 88sq ft of sound dampening in the truck covering all the doors and the entire floor and backwall. Yes that may be a little over kill but it does make a difference.

I should have it all installed and tuned in the next weeks. I can't wait!

 

hello Tearitin, can you please give us an update on how your install went? I also have a 2020 Platinum with the B&O and am looking to upgrade mine. Same speakers in the doors but replacing the sub speaker, keeping the original sub housing with a Kenwood and using a JL VXI 800/8 amp. Leaving the center channel alone because I was told that is where the factory sounds/beeps come from. How are you liking your system? Thoughts?

Thanks,

 

Forgot to follow up! The install is complete just need to update some of amp rack wiring to make it look a little cleaner. However, the sound is outstanding! Probably spent 6-8 hours tuning the truck to my taste. I have 5 different modes using my DRC-205 and tuned each one through the TuN software. I put SoundShield throughout the entire cab, this by far took the longest but it also made the biggest difference. I did all the doors, the floor and the back wall. All the factory stereo components have been removed and I set it up so I can put them back if I sell the truck. Some pictures below of the build.

 

Ummmm???? I push the seek button on the factory stereo until I hear a song I like haha